Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hills may look like any other typical school, but its legendary proms set it apart, writes Emily Goulet for Philadelphia Magazine.
While many high schools traditionally rent venues or halls for their school dance, Pennsbury spends months transforming its own campus.
Hundreds of members from the school community work diligently to prepare the school for the big night. Four faculty advisers work with two assistant principals to oversee the managerial work. Meanwhile, 62 prom chairs, 11 student groups consisting of around 250 kids and four parent groups made up of 15 to 30 volunteers handle the rest.
Using their six-figure budget, the school has hosted celebrity musical artists like Sugarhill Gang, John Mayer and Questlove.
Students make their grand entrance to the dance in an elaborate parade watched by hundreds. In the past, students have arrived on ice cream trucks, boats, fire trucks, handmade floats, helicopters and even on horseback.
Rolling Stone, Vice and USA Today have covered the event in all its glory and Reader’s Digest called it the “Best Prom in America” in 2004. A book was even written about the dance.
“This isn’t a simple dance in a gym. It’s a full-scale production,” said Superintendent Thomas Smith. “It’s a community event that is part of the Pennsbury fabric. It is part of our DNA, it’s part of our culture, it’s part of our traditions, and it makes us who we are.”
Read more about Pennsbury High School’s proms and how their latest dance came together in Philadelphia Magazine.
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